Neuroscience Supportive Care Program

This free, home-based fall prevention program sends an occupational therapist to the home to look at the multi-faceted risk factors associated with falls. The therapist assesses strength and balance, and a home safety evaluation with recommendations is completed. Medications are reviewed by a Stanford Health Care pharmacist, home exercises are recommended, and information and education on other risk factors are provided.

This program offers two visits, and follow-ups phone calls are made monthly.After one year, the occupational therapist returns to the home for a third visit and re-evaluation. Self-referrals are welcome.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

The Neuroscience Supportive Care Program is offering a series of workshops for caregivers of persons living with memory loss. See flyers for more details.
Registration required.  Follow links next to each listing, call, or email us.

Coping with Frustration - December 15th
Feeling frustrated, and at times angry, are understandable emotions, yet they can get in the way of successful caregiving. This workshop will focus on different strategies for managing these feelings, including learning to STOP before responding, and the need to walk away or take a break when necessary.
Click here to register.

All By Myself - January 5th
This workshop focuses on the loneliness and social isolation that are so common during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommended strategies for reducing them. It also focuses on caregiver feelings of being over-burdened due to a reduction in many sources of formal support and explores tips for finding online support. We also share tips and strategies to increase compliance with COVID recommendations that may be difficult for persons with a memory loss disorder.
Click here to register.

Dealing with the Blues - January 19th
This workshop focuses on how common depressive symptoms are for caregivers. We discuss strategies to manage mood more effectively, principally by increasing everyday positive activities that lift the mood. Persons with memory loss disorders also commonly experience depressed mood, especially in the early stages of the disease. Caregivers are provided with instructions on how to use the Positive Activities tool with their care recipient as well as themselves.
Click here to register.

Filling the Well - February 2nd
Caregivers rarely devote time in their schedule to their own self-care. This workshop will explore the importance of self-care, focusing on 4 areas (spiritual, physical, mental, and social) with special emphasis on getting regular exercise and sound sleep. This workshop also assists individuals in developing their own self-care plans.
Click here to register.

Working on Challenging Behaviors - Two part workshop
Part I:     February 16th
Part II:    March 2nd
This workshop puts the theory from the first workshop into action. Caregivers are encouraged to share how they usually respond to challenging behaviors, to evaluate how effective these responses are, and to consider other ways to respond that may be more effective to reduce the stress of the situation. Caregivers are encouraged to share strategies that they have found successful. Caregivers leave with a better understanding of their care recipient’s behaviors, where it is best to intervene, and strategies for responding more effectively.
Click here to register.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Neuroscience Supportive Care Program »

Healing Strokes is a Stanford student-led art therapy program that facilitates relaxation-based art therapy for stroke patients and their caregivers. The class strives to facilitate creative-art based therapy workshops with the goal of cultivating empathy-based communities, mitigating depressive symptoms among stroke survivors, and increasing relief amongst caregivers. Activities range from painting clay pots to simple origami, and everything in between. No prior art experience is necessary to join the class, and patients and caregivers at all parts of the recovery process are welcome.

Registration required.  Click REGISTRATION or email us.
Please register for sessions at least a week in advance, so we can ship the art supplies to your home.

This program is funded by a Patient Experience grant.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

The Speech Communication Group was created for individuals who have experienced a stroke or other neurological impairment. In a relaxed and informal setting, Stanford’s highly skilled speech language pathologists facilitate the group and provide participants with the opportunity to practice speech, language, and cognitive skills, experience the camaraderie of those with similar challenges, take pleasure in the social aspect of group therapy and have fun. The group also organizes a variety of community outings.

Registration is required. 

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

This chair ­­­yoga class is designed to safely provide caregivers and patients with a set of moderate, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. This yoga sequence proceeds with gentle breathing, attitude bolstering, warmups, and standing balances (with chair support). For deepening relaxation, it uses a mindfulness bell to promote one-pointed focus.

Walk-ins welcome.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Our classes are based on the innovative Dance for PD program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Using this method, professional dancers draw on their unique expertise to help people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers engage sight, sound, touch, thought, and imagination to inspire movement and expression. Dancing in chairs, at a barre, or standing, experienced teaching artists lead participants in an enjoyable blend of modern dance, ballet, and social dancing. While strengthening, balancing, and moving in rhythm to live music, people with PD also experience the power of dance and music to sharpen attention, inspire, and empower. Supported by the National Parkinson's Foundation.

Walk-ins welcome.

To watch the Stanford Medicine video of Dance for Parkinson's, click here.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Gentle yoga postures are introduced to imporve total body conditioning, increase mobility and range of motion, improve circulatory flow, and relieve muscle tention. Practice assumes student is able to get to the floor using assistance.

No registration is required. Drop in!

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Healing Yoga will incorporate the mindful practices of yoga, breath work and meditation to build physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. In the process, the class will help increase mental and physical flexibility, loosen tight and painful muscles, and create an opportunity to relax. The class is appropriate for all levels and will utilize both chair and standing postures.

Registration required. Click REGISTER, or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Neuroscience Supportive Care Program. 

This exercise program is designed specifically to target PD symptoms. Exercise moves performed in this class are the building blocks for everyday movement and are performed with large amplitude, high effort, and attention to action in multiple postures. There are two class options depending on the participants’ physical strength and mobility.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

In this class, people of all ages and stages can engage in exercises that enhance their ability to tap into their vital life force energy (Qi) via skillful application of an ancient and time-established Chinese healing exercise craft (Gong). We will work on mindful breathing, movement, posture, coordination and energetic flow, weaving in meditative and mindful awareness to enhance vitality. Come join us and gain greater vitality, relaxation and transformation in mind, body, spirit, and emotional whole-person well-being.

Walk-ins welcome.

To learn more about the Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, click here.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Sit & Be Fit is a full-body workout including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching all while sitting in your chair. All you need for this class is a sturdy chair, drinking water, and be prepared to have fun!

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

This Tai Chi class will help build balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi strengthens the body, quiets and calms the mind and emotions, and improves overall health and well-being.
Registration required. Click REGISTER or call us.

這門網上太極課程可幫您增强平衡感、協調性、柔韌性和力量。任何人，不論年齡或身體條件，均可嘗
試。太極可強建體魄，放鬆平復心靈和情緒，改善整體身體健康和狀態。

參與課程須提前註冊。請在這裡註冊: https://stanfordhealthcare.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsf-isrzstHtR4f1SwL9nZEXSQqqSQTuZa

如有任何疑問，請致電或發送電子郵件：
Email: SupportiveCarePrograms@stanfordhealthcare.org
Phone: 650-725-9456/699-233-2807

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all patients regardless of where they receive their care.

不論患者在何處接受護理，斯坦福支持護理計畫為所有患者提供免費課程、工作坊、健身課程等多項服務和支持。

This online Tai Chi class will help you build balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi strengthens the body, quiets and calms the mind and emotions, and improves overall health and well-being.   

Registration required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Supported by the American Parkinson Disease Association, this class teaches Argentine Tango as an exercise for improving movement and balance for adults with Parkinson’s.  Through musicality and movement of Tango patterns, you are taught to become more aware of your center of balance and body movement while having the enjoyment of dancing.

Students must able to walk onto the dance floor to join the class.  No previous experience in Tango or any other form of dance is necessary.  The class is open for anyone from a beginner through experienced dancer along with their partners (bringing a partner is preferred but not necessary). 

Registration required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

At Stanford, we have treated over 1,000 acoustic neuromas over the last 20 years with surgery and radiosurgery. The Stanford Cyberknife Program is one the most active and experienced Cyberknife programs for acoustic neuromas in the U.S.

Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a slow-growing benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear and the brain. The tumor usually starts growing in the internal auditory canal, and presses against the hearing and balance nerves as it grows.

If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meetings.

The meetings are free of charge, and are a great resource for patient education and resources available to acoustic neuroma patients and families. Support group meetings will be co-moderated by acoustic neuroma patients. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon and acoustic neuroma expert Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

The Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meets bimonthly on the first Thursday of the even month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Speakers will be available for questions.

Past Talks:

February 1, 2018: "Anxiety, Depression, and Coping with the Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuromas" by M. Bret Schneider, MD, Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

November 2, 2017: "Long term results of Cyberknife Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuromas" by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

August 3, 2017: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentation and Panel Discussion" by Geoffrey Appelboom, MD, Hilary Bagshaw, MD and Antonio Meola, MD, moderated by Steven D. Chang, MD

May 4, 2017: "Common Eye Problems and Optimal Eye Care Related to Acoustic Neuroma" by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine

February 2, 2017: "New data in the medical literature regarding acoustic neuroma treatments" by Steven Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

November 3, 2016: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentation and Panel Discussion" by Geffrey Appelboom, MD, and Navjout Chaudhary, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, moderated by Steven D. Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery

August 4, 2016: "Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Facts and Controversies" by Steven Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford

May 5, 2016: "Hearing Aids for Acoustic Neuroma Patients," by Matthew Fitzgerald, PhD, Chief of Audiology, Stanford University

February 4, 2016: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentations and Panel Discussion" by Christopher Bilbao, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, and Clement Ho, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology. Moderated by Steven D. Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery.

December 3, 2015: "Balance Function in Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Joyce Chadderdon, PT, NCS, Stanford University

October 1, 2015: "Myths and Facts Regarding the Management of Acoustic Neuromas" by Steven Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery

August 6, 2015: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentations and Panel Discussion" by Christopher Bilbao, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, and Scott Soltys, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology. Moderated by Steven Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery

June 4, 2015: "Controversies in the Diagnosis and Management of Acoustic Neuromas" by Steven Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

April 2, 2015: "The Genetics of Acoustic Neuroma" by Achal Achrol, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

February 5, 2015: "The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Three Different Surgical Approaches for Acoustic Neuroma Surgery" by Steven Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

December 4, 2014: "Treating Balance Issues with Vestibular Therapy" by Joyce Chadderdon, PT, NCS, Senior Physical Therapist, Stanford Health Care

October 2, 2014: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentations and Panel Discussion" by Gordon Li, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, and John Oghalai, MD, Department of Otolaryngology. Moderated by Steven Chang, MD, Department of Neurosurgery

August 7, 2014: "How Acoustic Neuroma Pre-Treatment Symptoms Respond After Treatment" by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine

June 5, 2014: "Current Status of Hearing Aids for Patients with Acoustic Neuromas", by Gerald Popelka, PhD, Department of otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine

April 3, 2014: "The Role of a Neuro-oncologist in the Management of Acoustic Neuroma Patients" By Reena Thomas, MD, Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine

February 6, 2014: "Coping with the Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma", by Bret Schneider, MD, Psychiatrist and Consulting Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

December 5, 2013: "History of Acoustic Neuroma Treatments with a Q&A", by Dr. Robert Jackler, MD, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University.

October 3, 2013: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentations and Panel Discussion"

June 6, 2013: "Questions to Ask Yourself When Seeking Treatment for Your Acoustic Neuroma", by Steven Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

April 4, 2013: "Understanding Radiation: What It Is and How It Works", by Iris Gibbs, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine

February 7, 2013: "Causes and Treatments for Tinnitus", by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine

December 6, 2012: "Common Eye Problems and Optimal Eye Care Related to Acoustic Neuroma", by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine

October 4, 2012: "Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentations and Panel Discussion", by Iris Gibbs, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology; Nikolas Blevins, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology; and Gordon Li, MD, Assisstant Professor of Neurosurgery

August 2, 2012: "Dealing with Balance through Vestibular Therapy", by Joyce Chadderdon, Vestibular Physical Therapist

June 7, 2012: "Treatments for Acoustic Neuromas - Myths and Facts Regarding the Different Options" by Steven D. Chang, MD Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

April 5, 2012: "Anxiety, Depression, and Coping with the Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuromas" by M. Bret Schneider, MD, Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

February 2, 2012: "Current Status of Hearing Aids for Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Gerald R Popelka, PhD, Professor and Chief of Audiology, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University

December 1, 2011: "Nutrition and Nutritional Supplementation in patients with Acoustic Neuromas" by Alison Ryan, Registered Dietitian, Stanford University Medical Center

October 6, 2011: "Causes and Treatment of Headaches in Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Dr. Michael Leong, MD, Assistant Professor, Stanford Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesia, Stanford

August 4, 2011: "Update from the 2011 Natational Acostic Neuroma Association Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio" by Dr. Scott Soltys, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford

April 7, 2011: "Controversies in Diagnosis and Management of Acoustic Neuromas" by Steven D. Chang, MD Professor Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University

February 3, 2011: "Vestibular Therapy for Management of Balance Disorders in Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Diron Cassidy, MPT Good Samaritan Hospital

December 2, 2010: "Tinnitus in Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by John S. Oghalai, MD Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University

October 7, 2010: "Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids for Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Gerry Popelka, PhD, Stanford Audiologist

August 5, 2010: "Current Medical Literature on Acoustic Neuroma" by Scott Soltys, MD, Stanford Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncologist

June 3, 2010: "Balance Issues and Treatments in Acoustic Neuroma Patients" by Nikolas Blevins, MD, Stanford Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

April 1, 2010: "Current Treatment Modalities for Acoustic Neuroma" by Steven D. Chang, MD, Stanford Professor of Neurosurgery

Come share your story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes. This group is for patients, caregivers, and friends.

Registration required. To register, email us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Supportive Care Program.

This group discussion seeks to explore, learn, and grow from talking all about the “MS in the room”. You are invited to connect with others living with MS in a friendly environment, where we share, discuss, and support each other’s efforts to manage our health and wellness. Guest speakers for some of the meetings include Stanford medical professionals and MS community resources. Join us as we strategize how to live fully and live well with MS.

Registration required.  To register, call or email facilitator.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Are you caring for a loved one diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia? You are not alone. Join our telephone support group and connect with others experiencing similar challenges. The group offers a safe space for peer support and to share information and learn about available resources.

This support group is facilitated by the Stanford Health Care Neuroscience Supportive Care Program and Sage Eldercare.

Registration required. Call us to register.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

An informative virtual meeting for those living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and their loved ones. A welcoming place to ask questions regarding care management techniques, new drugs, clinical trials, and living life to the fullest.

Registration required.  Click REGISTER.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

We welcome you to join us and learn about the latest treatment options, network with other patients suffering from the same issues, and find encouragement and support.  Meetings are open to patients, caregivers, family, and friends.   

Registration required.  To register, email us.

For those who suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, you are not alone! Please join us at Stanford to learn about the new treatment options and to share your experience with others going through similar situations.

If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group meetings.

The meetings are free of charge and are a great resource for patient and family education. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon, Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

Past Talks
To access more recordings, email veevo@stanford.edu

• Whole Person Pain Care: Latest research and scalable treatments for pain and opioid reduction
  Beth Darnall, PhD – Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain
  Video

• Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
  Xiang Qian, MD, PhD - Pain Management Physician and Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
  
  
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Xiang Qian, MD, PhD, Antonio Meola, MD, and Maleeha Ahmad, MD
  Video
  
  
• Facial Pain 101 & Case Presentations
  Panelists: Max Wintermark, MD (neuroradiologist), Erqi Pollom MD (radiation oncologist), Niu Niu Zhang, MD (neurologist), Xiang Qian, MD, PhD (Pain Management)
  Video
  
  
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Xiang Qian, MD, PhD, Antonio Meola, MD, Maleeha Ahmad, MD
  Video
  
  
• Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
  Xiang Qian, MD, PhD - Pain Management Physician and Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
  Video
  
  
• Current Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
  Niushen Zhang, MD, FAHS, Headache and Facial Pain Specialist
  Video
  
  
• Classification of 7 Face Pain Types
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
  Video
  
  
• The Importance of Radiographic Imaging of the Trigeminal Nerve in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Vascular Compression
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
  Video
  
  
• Experiencing new onset of facial pain symptoms? Know the facts of the different types of facial pain before making a decision for any surgical procedures.
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
  Video
  
  
• Understanding Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
  Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
  Video